Overpopulation not the sole cause of floods

This refers to the article “Answers after ‘habagat’” by Rina Jimenez-David (Inquirer,  8/10/12). Quoting geologist Kelvin Rodolfo, the article proposes that “the flood and reproductive health bill are closely connected. A “major cause” of the Manila and Central Luzon floods, Rodolfo says, is “increased use of groundwater by the growing population. This causes the coastal plains to subside, in places more than 10 inches per year.”

One gets the idea that the horrible deluge was caused by overpopulation, hence the RH bill should now be passed.  I find this absurd because the problem could be framed differently. For instance, the floods could be viewed as the result of environmental degradation by greedy powers-that-be, or in relation to rapid urbanization. Or, it could be linked to climate change. Simply put, there are many, varied ways to frame our problem with floods, and without doubt they will invite conflicting views.

The “freak flood” early this August was caused by natural and human factors. The natural include climate change, typhoons, heavy rains, topography, among other factors. Human factors include poor garbage disposal system, urbanization, forest denudation, unbridled population growth and the like.

Therefore, a galloping population growth is just but one of the many reasons why there is flooding. To claim that a growing population is the only reason for flooding is just a palusot (lame excuse).

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,

assistant city council secretary,

Marikina City